‘More pressure on pupils to succeed’ in exams

HOLGATE Comprehensive School in Hucknall was a flurry of activity as expectant — and nervous — students huddled together to discover their A-level results.

The anticipation was evident as teenagers at the Nabbs Lane sixth-form literally held their future in their hands before finding out whether their hopes and dreams had been realised or they needed to make alternative plans.

Pupils at the school achieved good results despite there being “more pressure to succeed”, according to head of sixth-form, Hannah Bickerstaffe.

Among those celebrating were friends Emma Kelly and Gaby Irving, who couldn’t contain their joy or excitement as they realised they had landed better-than-expected grades.

Their results rubberstamped their university places.

“I feel numb as I don’t think it has really sunk in yet,” said a smiling Gaby, of Starth Wood Road, Hucknall.

Gaby’s results were As in maths and art and a B in physics, as well as a distiction grade at BTEC in music technology.

“I’ve been accepted at Leeds University to study physics but because of my higher grades I now have the option to change,” added 18 year-old Gaby, who admitted she is ‘passionate’ about physics and is looking at teaching the subject as a career option.

Meanwhile friend and fellow student Emma was ‘over the moon’ with her results.

“I’ve done much better than I expected,” said Emma, who achieved an A* in her extended project, A in media, and Bs in English language and psychology.

“I knew I had secured my place at university as I checked on the UCAS website before collecting my results, but I didn’t know what my actual grades were until I came to school.

“My parents are really proud.”

Mrs Bickerstaffe said: “We are really pleased with our results. All students have more pressure on them to get the grades they need to succeed but most of our students have got onto their first choice course.”

Another of Holgate’s best performers was Tom Morley, who achieved an A* in his extended project, an A in maths, B in history and distiction in drama at BTEC.

Mrs Bickerstaffe added: “We are proud of our students’ success. It just shows that if you work hard you reap the rewards.”

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